You can save hundreds of dollars by buying refurbished electronics and appliances if you buy from a reputable source, find the words “factory-certified” in the product information, and get a good warranty. You’ll learn the best products to buy and which ones to avoid in today’s Service For Life!® Free consumer newsletter.

You’ll also learn what you can do to personalize your gifts and make them memorable, and what you should do instead of shaking hands with people – plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more.

Lyn Trayte

Lyn Trayte, REALTOR®
Dominic and Co Int'l Real Estate

P.S. When you notice people talking about real estate in the next few weeks, can you tell them about the free consumer information I provide?

They may be people with a growing family and they need more room. You can help them buy their dream home for a lower payment than they might think is possible by mentioning my Free Consumer Report "7 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Financing Your Home." To request a copy for a friend, simply email me by clicking here.

Today's Brain Teaser . . .

It runs and runs but can never flee. It is often watched, yet never sees. When long it brings boredom, when short it brings fear. What is it?

(see answer below)

How to Save Hundreds of $$$
Buying Refurbished Products

It’s time to change your mind about refurbished items being “rejected” items. Many refurbished electronics and appliances are marked 30 to 50 percent off the original price, and work just as well as the originals. Refurbished products may have minor dings (due to shipping), could have been floor models, came in an open box, or had a minor defect that the manufacturer fixed. The key is to buy from a reputable source, look for the words “factory-certified,” and get a good warranty.

Here are the best refurbished products to BUY:

Computers and laptops – These can be excellent choices. To get rid of overstocked and returned items, companies sell these products for a fraction of their original price, many with a “same-as-new” warranty. Examples of reputable sources are Apple, Dell Outlet, HP, Sony, and Best Buy. On Amazon, select your category and search for “factory-refurbished.”

Cell phones and digital cameras – Companies are always coming out with newer models of these products and lots of people want to buy the latest version. That’s when older models go on sale or the companies refurbish those that are returned. For various brands, visit www.dealnews.com (which also has refurbished appliances).

Here are the refurbished products to AVOID:

Stay away from those that sell “as is” with zero warranty and those that say “all sales are final.” CNET.com blogger Rick Broida generally recommends that you don’t buy refurbished hard drives (prices are already low), printers (unless it’s been manufacturer recertified and has new ink/toner) and TVs (typical warranty is only 90 days and a comparable new model may not cost much more).

Don’t attempt to sell your home without my Free Consumer Guide, “6 Steps For Selling Your Home For TOP DOLLAR.” My exclusive report will give you all the facts for a fast, top dollar sale. To request your copy, email me by clicking here.

These Personalized Gifts
Are Unforgettable

Do you want your gifts to be received with a big smile and be remembered for years to come? Then consider giving one of these fun personalized items:

* Personalized wine bottles. If the receiver drinks wine, give them a memorable bottle from their own vineyard! Upload a photo to www.EtchingExpressions.com and they will create and ship an etched and hand-painted wine bottle to you. Various wines start at $75. If the state prohibits shipping wine to residents (the website will tell you), you can order non-alcoholic products like olive oil.

* Bring novels to life. Order a paperback, hardcover, or ebook where the main character is your loved one. Purchase the books at www.YourNovel.com starting at $49.95. You also can visit www.BookByYou.com for books starting at $19.95. Choose among various romance, classic, mystery, teen, and kids selections.

* Photo coasters to laundry bags. From a set of coasters with pictures of people or places, to a laundry bag monogrammed with a college student’s name, the websites www.Zazzle.com or www.CafePress.com offer gift options for any occasion.

The next time you go to shake hands with someone, you should do a “fist bump” instead. Studies show that a handshake transfers twice as much bacteria as a “high five” and 20 times more than a fist bump. This is especially important during the cold and flu season or anytime you’re visiting a hospital. For the sake of reducing the transmission of infectious diseases and improving public health, give it a try!

Every month I choose a very special Client Of The Month. It’s my way of acknowledging good friends and saying “thanks” to those who support me and my business with referrals, word of mouth and repeat business.

Carol Schwaner, who has referred three friends, who are in need of Real Estate advice and help. Thank you for your confidence in me and your friendship.

You might be my next Client Of The Month too! Watch for your name here in an upcoming month.

Trivia Challenge for the Month...

“Who Else Wants To Win Two Free Movie Tickets?”

Guess who won last month's Trivia Question? I'm pleased to announce the lucky winner of last month's quiz. And the winner is...drum roll please: Don & Dorothy Szymkowski was the first person to correctly answer my quiz question.

Which film won the 2012 Best Picture Oscar (in February 2013)?

a) Les Miserables b) Argo
c) Silver Linings Playbook d) Lincoln

The answer is b) Argo. Ben Affleck produced, directed and starred in the film. So, let's move on to this month's trivia question.

What Scottish-born chef is known for his rants at aspiring chefs in a TV competition?

a) Gordon Ramsay
b) Alton Brown
c) Bobby Flay
d) Rocco DiSpirito

EMAIL ME BY:Clicking Here OR Call Me At 602-739-0095And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!

Brain Teaser Answer:

Time!

Thanks For Thinking of Me!

Did you know I can help you or any of your friends or family save time and money when buying or selling a home? Thanks for keeping me in mind with your referrals...and spreading the word about my services.

Real Estate Q & A . . .

Q. What should I know about FHA loans if I’m thinking about buying a home soon?

A. An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that offers favorable terms for those who qualify, particularly first-time homebuyers. Here are some important details:

Is mortgage insurance required? Yes. Because only 3.5% of the purchase price is required as a down payment, FHA loans require you to pay private mortgage insurance. This protects the lender from a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.

Can you use gift monies with FHA loans? Yes, you may use a gift from a friend or relative for the 3.5% FHA down payment.

Do I get the loan directly from the FHA? No. You need to get your loan through an FHA-approved lender. Costs, services, and underwriting standards vary, so it’s important to shop around.

How do I find an FHA-approved lender? Go to the Department of Housing and Urban Development site at www.hud.gov (then search for “Lender List”), or ask me and I’ll refer you to a trusted lender.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this email is intended for informational purposes. It should not substitute as legal, accounting, investment, medical or other professional services advice. Always seek a competent professional for answers to your specific questions. This email is not intended to solicit real estate properties currently for sale.